Microneedling

Pros

• Highly effective for textural acne and surgical scars
• Stimulates collagen production to fill skin depressions
• Can improve skin thickness, particularly in the under-eye area
• Often described as a more eczema-friendly option compared to some chemical treatments
• Provides faster and more dramatic results for deep scarring than topical skincare alone

Cons

• Professional sessions can be expensive, with reports of up to $450 per session
• Potential to trigger breakouts or skin trauma in some users
• Requires multiple sessions for significant payoff; not a one-time fix
• Does not effectively fill facial hollows

Caveats

• Sun exposure is detrimental during the recovery period; many advise against treatment during summer months
• At-home microneedling carries high risks of infection and tissue trauma if sterilization and technique are not perfect
• Results may be unpredictable for individuals with specific diagnoses like hEDs
• May require pausing other active treatments like tretinoin

Best for

• Textural acne scarring
• Collagen stimulation and skin thickening
• Persistent Post-Inflammatory Erythema (PIE)
• Improving the appearance of mature surgical scars

Avoid if

• You cannot strictly avoid sun exposure during the post-treatment recovery phase
• You are prone to chronic inflammation or frequent breakouts triggered by skin trauma
• You are seeking a solution for facial volume loss or hollows
• You intend to perform it at home without rigorous sterilization protocols